June 2022

Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon that causes it to become inflamed, painful, and stiff. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone at the back of the lower leg and allows us to point our feet downward. When this tendon is stressed or used excessively, it can suffer tiny micro-traumas and tears over and over again. If these injuries do not properly heal the damage can build up on the Achilles tendon and lead to Achilles tendinopathy. Running on hard surfaces, wearing improper footwear, using poor technique when training, and accelerating workouts too quickly can contribute to the development of Achilles tendinopathy. Athletes such as runners, tennis players, and dancers are at risk of acquiring this condition because of how often they use the Achilles tendon. If you have injured your Achilles tendon in this way, there is good news. A chiropodist can help repair this important tendon and treat your painful condition. Reach out to your local chiropodist today to start the healing process. 

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is when part of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. If not properly tended to, it can cause an infection and be extremely painful. Most often ingrown toenails affect the big toe's toenail which can result from incorrect trimming of toenails or wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow. This condition can also be caused by injuries, fungal infections, foot structure abnormalities, or repeated pressure on a toenail from activity. The elderly and teens are said to be particularly prone to ingrown toenails. If you know or suspect you have an ingrown toenail, try soaking your foot in warm, soapy water, drying it thoroughly, and gently lifting the nail off the nail bed so that it may heal. An over-the-counter steroid or antibiotic cream can be used as well. Prevention includes clipping toenails straight across and not too short, keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing properly fitting shoes. Bacteria or fungus can enter the skin and become infected, and the toenail may need surgery or removal so watch the affected toe carefully. If the toe or toenail becomes discolored or you notice pus drainage, it is important to see a chiropodist for proper care.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Crystals that form in the joints of the big toe may be indicative of a condition known as gout, which is considered to be a form of arthritis and can cause excessive pain. Gout can develop due to genetic reasons or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods can include red meat, shellfish, or drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Uric acid forms in the bloodstream and lodges in the joints of the feet, often starting with the big toe. Common symptoms many patients experience can include tenderness in the affected toe, extreme pain, and the toe may be hot when touched. People who are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have kidney problems may also be prone to gout. Mild relief may be felt when specific medication is taken and the pain from gout attacks may diminish over time. If you are susceptible to gout or experiencing any symptoms, it is advised that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can successfully treat this condition.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth 

• Joint stiffness

• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankles are hinged synovial joints which means they are capable of greater movement and fluidity, allowing us to move our feet downwards and upwards, and side to side. Ankles are composed of three bones: the talus, tibia, and fibula. There are several ligaments that hold these bones together and support them. Although these ligaments are strong and flexible they can become overly stretched beyond their limits or even tear. These types of injuries are known as ankle sprains. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe and symptoms can range in intensity as well, depending on whether one or more ligaments are affected and whether there is any tearing. There may be varying degrees of pain, swelling, possible bruising, and in more severe cases, a reduced ability or inability to put weight on the affected foot. Some athletes may be tempted to allow what they perceive as a mild sprain to heal on its own without seeking the care of a chiropodist. This is not suggested as it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between an ankle sprain, ankle strain, or even a broken ankle. Ankle sprains that do not heal properly may lead to future sprains or chronic ankle instability. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, call a chiropodist who can diagnose your condition properly and treat it accordingly.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.